Advanced seismic controller system

ABSTRACT

A method includes receiving over a network from one or more seismic sensors a data set characterizing a seismic event generating a seismic wave. Based on the data set, a time of arrival and intensity of the seismic wave at a predetermined location is calculated. The predetermined location has one or more mitigation devices. Whether the intensity of the seismic wave exceeds a predetermined seismic intensity threshold is determined. If the intensity of the seismic wave exceeds the predetermined seismic intensity threshold, the one or more mitigation devices are activated.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to U.S. Pat. Application Serial No.16/601,500 filed Oct. 14, 2019; which application claims priority toU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/823,480 filed Mar. 25, 2019, thecontents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference as iffully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

143 million Americans live in areas of significant seismic risk across39 states, especially California and the U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW).In the next 30 years, California has a 99.7% chance of a magnitude 6.7+earthquake, and the PNW has a 10% chance of a potentially devastatingmagnitude 8 to 9 megathrust quake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone.Potential quakes in the Seattle, Tacoma, and South Whidbey IslandFaults, for example, hold additional risk to approximately 4.3 millionpeople.

FEMA estimates the average annualized loss from earthquakes to be $5.3billion. However, depending on the type and location, the immediate,localized impact of any large seismic event may be much, much more. Forexample, the earthquake-caused economic cost just from water loss inSeattle, Tacoma, and Everett systems is estimated to be $1.4 billion(from a quake in the shallow Tacoma Fault) to $2.1 billion (SeattleFault). Oregon estimates up to $32 billion in potential economic damagefrom a Cascadia quake.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system according to one or more embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a table illustrating mitigations offered by variousembodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process according to an embodimentof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This patent application is intended to describe one or more embodimentsof the present invention. It is to be understood that the use ofabsolute terms, such as “must,” “will,” and the like, as well asspecific quantities, is to be construed as being applicable to one ormore of such embodiments, but not necessarily to all such embodiments.As such, embodiments of the invention may omit, or include amodification of, one or more features or functionalities described inthe context of such absolute terms.

Embodiments of the present invention may comprise or utilize aspecial-purpose or general-purpose computer including computer hardware,such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory, asdiscussed in greater detail below. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent invention also include physical and other computer-readablemedia for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions or datastructures. In particular, one or more of the processes described hereinmay be implemented at least in part as instructions embodied in anon-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by one or morecomputing devices (e.g., any of the media content access devicesdescribed herein). In general, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor)receives instructions, from a non-transitory computer-readable medium,(e.g., a memory, etc.), and executes those instructions, therebyperforming one or more processes, including one or more of the processesdescribed herein.

Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby a general purpose or special-purpose computer system.Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions arenon-transitory computer-readable storage media (devices).Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions aretransmission media. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation,embodiments of the invention can comprise at least two distinctlydifferent kinds of computer-readable media: non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media (devices) and transmission media.

Non-transitory computer-readable storage media (devices) includes RAM,ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, solid state drives (“SSDs”) (e.g., based on RAM),Flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), other types of memory, otheroptical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storagedevices, or any other medium which can be used to store desired programcode means in the form of computer-executable instructions or datastructures and which can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial-purpose computer.

A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable thetransport of electronic data between computer systems or modules orother electronic devices. When information is transferred or providedover a network or another communications connection (either hardwired,wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, thecomputer properly views the connection as a transmission medium.Transmissions media can include a network or data links which can beused to carry desired program code means in the form ofcomputer-executable instructions or data structures and which can beaccessed by a general purpose or special-purpose computer. Combinationsof the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

Further, upon reaching various computer system components, program codemeans in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structurescan be transferred automatically from transmission media tonon-transitory computer-readable storage media (devices) (or viceversa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structuresreceived over a network or data link can be buffered in RAM within anetwork interface module (e.g., a “NIC”), and then eventuallytransferred to computer system RAM or to less volatile computer storagemedia (devices) at a computer system. Thus, it should be understood thatnon-transitory computer-readable storage media (devices) can be includedin computer system components that also (or even primarily) utilizetransmission media.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions anddata which, when executed at a processor, cause a general-purposecomputer, special-purpose computer, or special-purpose processing deviceto perform a certain function or group of functions. In someembodiments, computer-executable instructions are executed on ageneral-purpose computer to turn the general-purpose computer into aspecial-purpose computer implementing elements of the invention. Thecomputer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries,intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or evensource code.

According to one or more embodiments, the combination of software orcomputer-executable instructions with a computer-readable medium resultsin the creation of a machine or apparatus. Similarly, the execution ofsoftware or computer-executable instructions by a processing deviceresults in the creation of a machine or apparatus, which may bedistinguishable from the processing device, itself, according to anembodiment.

Correspondingly, it is to be understood that a computer-readable mediumis transformed by storing software or computer-executable instructionsthereon. Likewise, a processing device is transformed in the course ofexecuting software or computer-executable instructions. Additionally, itis to be understood that a first set of data input to a processingdevice during, or otherwise in association with, the execution ofsoftware or computer-executable instructions by the processing device istransformed into a second set of data as a consequence of suchexecution. This second data set may subsequently be stored, displayed,or otherwise communicated. Such transformation, alluded to in each ofthe above examples, may be a consequence of, or otherwise involve, thephysical alteration of portions of a computer-readable medium. Suchtransformation, alluded to in each of the above examples, may also be aconsequence of, or otherwise involve, the physical alteration of, forexample, the states of registers and/or counters associated with aprocessing device during execution of software or computer-executableinstructions by the processing device.

As used herein, a process that is performed “automatically” may meanthat the process is performed as a result of machine-executedinstructions and does not, other than the establishment of userpreferences, require manual effort.

An embodiment of the invention includes an advanced seismic controller(ASC) system developed as a process for automatically collecting UnitedStates Geological Survey (USGS) ShakeAlert messages and using them totrigger an advanced seismic event alarm for industrial SupervisoryControl and Data Acquisition (SCADA)/Automation systems or for generalpurpose alarm systems. ShakeAlert is an experimental earthquake earlywarning system (EEW) for the West Coast of the United States and thePacific Northwest sponsored by the USGS. Using hundreds of seismicsensors throughout the West Coast, this system can provide advancewarning of a seismic event.

The ASC system includes a cloud-based software system for gathering theUSGS seismic event messages from one or more USGS servers andredistributing these messages to advanced seismic controllers at auser’s location. The system may include a subscription service that endusers pay to access. The USGS currently does not have the infrastructurefor thousands of connections to their servers. They have requested,after a connection threshold has been met, that outside vendors usingtheir system act as proxy to end users for seismic messages.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the system functions as follows:

Seismic sensors associated with USGS data centers 10 detect a seismicevent and create a seismic network message 20. This message carries theorigin location of the event and its magnitude.

The message is collected via a network, such as the Internet 30, over aSecure Socket Layer (SSL) connection 40 by the Seismic MessageRedistribution Engine 50 that resides on a cloud platform such as AmazonWeb Services or Microsoft Azure. According to an embodiment, this engine50 has the following responsibilities:

Tracks subscribed users in a User Database 60. This database identifiesusers’ account information such as billing information, communicationhealth status, location of advanced seismic controllers 70, etc.

Monitors the health of users’ advanced seismic controllers 70. Ifcommunications to a controller 70 are lost, the end user will be sent amessage via SMS, email or other communication medium informing them ofthe situation.

Redistributes single USGS messages 80 using an SSL connection to alladvanced seismic controllers 70 of user location systems 90.

In an embodiment, and more particularly, the USGS data centers 10 sendout one or more data sets that may include source magnitude of theseismic event, location of the seismic event, time at which the seismicevent occurred and probability of the accuracy of the message. One ormore processors associated with advanced seismic controller 70 use thisinformation to calculate time to arrival and intensity of a seismic waveat the user location 90 caused by the seismic event. An embodiment ofthe advanced seismic controller 70 calculates the distance from theevent and creates a countdown based on time of arrival information fromUSGS; it passes seismic wave intensity, time of arrival, probability anddistance through to the advanced seismic controller outputs 85. Anembodiment allows a user to set predetermined setpoints on two discreteoutputs to take action in the user’s system or to control specificdevices like water valves, warning systems, door locks, etc. Analternative embodiment of the advanced seismic controller 70 has onlyone discrete output.

More specifically, once the message 80 is collected by the advancedseismic controller 70 at a user location 90, the advanced seismiccontroller will identify the time before the event arrives and theintensity of the event. This information may be calculated using Javacode distributed by the USGS for calculating characteristics of thetravel of the seismic wave from the origin point of the seismic event tothe user location 90.

The advanced seismic controller 70 has setpoints to trigger discreterelay outputs if the final intensity is over a certain predeterminedthreshold. In addition, 4-20 ma analog outputs can carry the seismicevent intensity and time to arrival in seconds. These low-level signalsare used instead of a TCP/IP connection in order to isolate mitigationdevices 100 such as internal SCADA/Automation or Alarm systems from theInternet. This can be considered an “air gap” approach to maintain asecure separation from the Internet.

Once the message is received at the user location system 90, theadvanced seismic controller 70 can trigger alarms and or shutdownsystems in preparation for the seismic event. General purpose alarmsystems may trigger alarm notifications that could be used forevacuating or preparing people for the seismic event. For example, invarious embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 2 , many differentmitigation devices and actions can be taken at the user location 90depending on the types of structures and activities present at thatlocation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a process 300 for storing data according to anembodiment of the invention. The process 300 is implementable in anelectronic system coupled to or including a storage device. The process300 is illustrated as a set of operations shown as discrete blocks. Theprocess 300 may be implemented in any suitable hardware, software,firmware, or combination thereof. The order in which the operations aredescribed is not to be necessarily construed as a limitation.

At a block 310, a data set characterizing a seismic event generating aseismic wave is received over a network from one or more seismicsensors.

At a block 320, a time of arrival and intensity of the seismic wave at apredetermined location is calculated based on the data set. Thepredetermined location has one or more mitigation devices as arediscussed above herein.

At a block 330, whether the intensity of the seismic wave exceeds apredetermined seismic intensity threshold is determined. If theintensity of the seismic wave does not exceed the predetermined seismicintensity threshold, the process 300 returns to block 310.

At a block 340, if the intensity of the seismic wave exceeds thepredetermined seismic intensity threshold, the one or more mitigationdevices are activated.

While the preferred embodiment of the disclosure has been illustratedand described, as noted above, many changes can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, thescope of the described systems and techniques is not limited by thedisclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the described systemsand techniques should be determined entirely by reference to the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. At least one computer-readable medium on whichare stored instructions that, when executed by at least one processingdevice, enable the at least one processing device to perform a methodcomprising the steps of: receiving over a network from one or moreseismic sensors a data set characterizing a seismic event generating aseismic wave; based on the data set, calculating a time of arrival andintensity of the seismic wave at a predetermined location, thepredetermined location having one or more mitigation devices;determining if the intensity of the seismic wave exceeds a predeterminedseismic intensity threshold; and if the intensity of the seismic waveexceeds the predetermined seismic intensity threshold, activating theone or more mitigation devices.
 2. The medium of claim 1, wherein thedata set comprises magnitude of the seismic event.
 3. The medium ofclaim 1, wherein the data set comprises the time at which the seismicevent occurred.
 4. The medium of claim 1, wherein the one or moremitigation devices are activated by one or more analog output signalsgenerated by the at least one processing device.
 5. The medium of claim1, wherein the one or more mitigation devices comprise an alarm.
 6. Amethod, comprising the steps of receiving over a network from one ormore seismic sensors a data set characterizing a seismic eventgenerating a seismic wave; based on the data set, calculating a time ofarrival and intensity of the seismic wave at a predetermined location,the predetermined location having one or more mitigation devices;determining if the intensity of the seismic wave exceeds a predeterminedseismic intensity threshold; and if the intensity of the seismic waveexceeds the predetermined seismic intensity threshold, activating theone or more mitigation devices.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein thedata set comprises magnitude of the seismic event.
 8. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the data set comprises the time at which the seismicevent occurred.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or moremitigation devices are activated by one or more analog output signalsgenerated by the at least one processing device.
 10. The medium of claim6, wherein the one or more mitigation devices comprise an alarm.
 11. Asystem, comprising: one or more input devices coupled to a network andconfigured to receive over the network from one or more seismic sensorsa data set characterizing a seismic event generating a seismic wave; atleast one processing device configured to calculate, based on the dataset, a time of arrival and intensity of the seismic wave at apredetermined location, the predetermined location having one or moremitigation devices, the at least one processing device furtherconfigured to determine if the intensity of the seismic wave exceeds apredetermined seismic intensity threshold; and one or more outputdevices configured to activate the one or more mitigation devices if theintensity of the seismic wave exceeds the predetermined seismicintensity threshold.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the data setcomprises magnitude of the seismic event.
 13. The system of claim 11,wherein the data set comprises the time at which the seismic eventoccurred.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more mitigationdevices are activated by one or more analog output signals generated bythe at least one processing device.
 15. The system of claim 11, whereinthe one or more mitigation devices comprise an alarm.